Inflatable device for the protection of objects or persons

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device ( 1 ) for protecting an object or a person, comprising a sealed elastic membrane ( 2 ) intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope ( 3 ) containing said membrane ( 2 ): in the rest state, the membrane ( 2 ) has a size different to that of the envelope ( 3 ) and the envelope ( 3 ) containing the membrane ( 2 ) can be folded; in the active state, the membrane ( 2 ) has a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope ( 3 ), the membrane ( 2 ) then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope ( 3 ), the envelope ( 3 ) being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane ( 2 ) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope ( 3 ), referred to as a second volume, said envelope ( 3 ) being designed to take a shape that fits the object or person to be protected, in the unstressed state, the membrane ( 2 ) can occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope ( 3 ).

The present invention relates to the field of devices for protecting objects or people. Specifically, the invention relates to protection devices of this kind which are inflatable.

In the field of protection for cyclists or people using new modes of urban transport such as electric scooters, protective helmets are already known which are necessary, or even mandatory, for the protection of the head.

The structure of currently known helmets varies according to their purpose and is therefore more or less elaborate.

Most of these helmets have separate superimposed layers which are intended to cushion impacts and give the helmet mechanical strength.

Generally, these helmets are relatively heavy and bulky, with a one-piece outer shell to ensure protection and safety, to the detriment of the aesthetic appearance and comfort sought by the user.

This makes it onerous and cumbersome for the user to carry such a helmet in an urban environment.

In industry, it is often necessary to transport finished parts or products from a first physical manufacturing location to a second physical assembly location. This is the case in particular in the space, aeronautics and automotive sectors.

In the space or aeronautics sectors, the production of an intricate part that is part of the final object to be produced may take place at a site that is remote from another assembly site. The transport thereof must be rigorous so as to avoid any deformation or impact that could make this intricate part non-compliant upon receipt. To transport such parts, it is known to use a transport box which is generally made of wood and in which an intricate part is placed while being surrounded by foam chips for its protection.

Although such transport boxes generally ensure the safe transport of the valuable part, they have the drawbacks of being bulky, being poorly suited to said transported part and being non-reusable.

In the automotive sector, when transporting vehicles from their assembly site to their final delivery location, it is known to spray paraffin foam on the vehicles to be transported in order to avoid any impacts that could damage their bodywork. However, such foam requires a removal operation in order to remove it from the delivered vehicle. Furthermore, such foam cannot be reused.

The present invention relates to an improved device for protecting objects or people that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks while ensuring the protection of the object or person.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for protecting an object or a person, the protection device comprising at least one sealed elastic membrane intended for receiving a gas and at least one fibrous envelope containing said membrane:

in the rest state of the protection device, the membrane is of a size different to that of the envelope and the envelope containing the membrane can be folded,

in the active state of the protection device, the membrane is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope, the membrane then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope, referred to as a second volume, the envelope being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane beyond the maximum volume of the envelope, said envelope being designed to take a shape that fits the object or person to be protected,

and, in the unstressed state, the membrane can occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope.

Such a protection device allows a reduced space requirement in the deflated and folded rest state, and allows mechanical protection comparable to rigid protection devices in the active state of the protection device.

It will be understood that, in the state not stressed by the envelope, when the membrane occupies a volume corresponding to the first volume it assumes a random shape which is not plastically constrained.

Moreover, such a protection device offers impact absorption and distribution properties by using the mechanical properties of the gas, by deformation of the structure on impact in the active state of the device.

In the active state, the device ensures mechanical protection of the object or the part of the body to be protected against the risk of impacts from its environment by means of an appropriate volume and pressure, which is achieved by stressing the membrane during the expansion of its volume by inflation, and by mechanical resistance of the envelope.

In the active state of the protection device, the envelope forms a rigid reinforcement made possible by the inflated state of the membrane shaped by the mechanical stress in the envelope in order to give the protection device its final shape, which is advantageously designed to fit the object or part of the body to be protected.

In fact, the material properties of the envelope combined with the material properties of the membrane give the device mechanical properties that are different from the mechanical properties of the envelope and of the membrane taken separately.

Advantageously, the shape and dimensions of the protection device in the active state are repeatable. Preferably, elements for controlling the expansion of the protection device allow the shape and dimensions of the protection device to be repeated. These expansion control elements can be a strap, the fibrous envelope itself or any additional fabric, a wedge, a loop or a thread.

The repeatability of the shape and dimensions of the protection device in the active state advantageously ensures that the mechanical response of the protection device in the event of an impact remains constant.

Advantageously, the protection device and its constituent elements are designed for use in at least 400 inflation or deflation cycles.

In the active state of the protection device, the pressure of the membrane is selected to meet the protection requirements of the object or person.

In particular, the pressure is between 1 bar and 30 bars. In a particular application as personal protective helmets, the pressure may be between 2 bars and 6 bars.

This pressure corresponds to a nominal use pressure.

Advantageously, the use tests are carried out at 120% of the nominal use pressure.

Advantageously, the fibrous envelope is a textile coating.

The envelope is advantageously made of a textile material made from a fiber that has high mechanical resistance in tension, such as polypropylene or polyester.

According to another advantage, the protection device comprises two superimposed fibrous envelopes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in the rest state of the protection device, the membrane has a shape that is distinct from the envelope.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the protection device comprises at least one valve.

A sealed system can advantageously allow sealed mounting of the valve.

Such a sealed connection system for a valve advantageously comprises a lower part and an upper part which take the membrane together and are sealingly interconnected.

The lower part and the upper part are intended to enclose the contour of an opening formed in the membrane so as to seal it.

This opening allows the valve to be inserted.

Such sealed mounting can be achieved by screwing, optionally supplemented with a seal, by welding or by gluing.

The valve is advantageously made of butyl. Such a valve allows inflation by pricking the valve, for example with a needle-like inflation nozzle.

Advantageously, the lower part and the upper part are made of a semi-rigid plastic material so as not to risk injuring the user.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an auto-striking valve allows the quantity of gas injected into the membrane to be controlled.

The auto-striking valve makes it possible to inflate the protection device with the aid of an open gas cartridge by a mechanical operation which consists in striking the opening of this cartridge.

Advantageously, a striker separate from the valve can be provided.

The striker can comprise a main body which can be partly inserted into the opening in the upper part of the sealed connection system in order to access the valve, and a radial stop advantageously extends radially from this body to prevent the striker from rotating when a search cartridge is to be aimed at it.

A needle can extend from this body to allow inflation or deflation of the membrane.

The upper part of the sealed connection system can comprise a projection to prevent the radial stop from rotating.

In an application as a protective helmet, such a striker can be attached to the helmet by a simple wire link.

Advantageously, the valve is designed to support an adapter which makes it possible to inflate the membrane using a pump.

Advantageously, the valve is designed to support a deflation device which makes it possible to keep this valve open during the deflation operation.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the envelope and/or the membrane comprises a marker which corresponds, in the rest state of the protection device, to an indicator of a deflated state of the membrane and, in the active state of the protection device, to an indicator of an inflated state of the membrane in order to occupy said first volume.

Advantageously, the indicator of the deflated state of the membrane corresponds to a first color formed by the unstressed fibers of the envelope and/or the membrane and the indicator of an inflated state of the membrane corresponds to a second color formed by the stressed fibers of the envelope and/or the membrane.

According to another variant of the invention, the envelope has folds which allow folding and unfolding which can be repeated each time the protection device is used.

According to one embodiment, the protection device can be equipped with a pressure indicator.

Such a pressure indicator makes it possible to indicate to the user whether the pressure of the membrane is adequate for protecting the object or person.

According to a first variant, the pressure indicator comprises a rigid or semi-rigid hollow tube welded to the membrane and fluidically connected to the volume of the membrane by an opening, the tube comprising a piston pushing a gauge forming a pressure indicator.

According to a second variant embodiment, the pressure indicator can be formed by a pressure measurement system using TPMS (“tire pressure monitoring system”) technology. Such a measuring system makes it possible to measure the pressure of the membrane and is well suited to such a protection device.

According to a third variant, the pressure indicator can be at least one piezoelectric gauge.

Such a gauge can advantageously be glued to the membrane in order to measure its elastic deformation, which represents the state of inflation of the membrane.

According to a fourth variant, the pressure indicator can comprise a mechanical resistive element bonded to the fabric or membrane, the mechanical resistivity of which changes according to the tension applied to the fabric or membrane. The resistive state then indicates the pressure state of the fabric or membrane.

Advantageously, the membrane comprises a dioxygen absorber in its volume.

The use of a dioxygen absorber thus makes it possible to indicate the use of a gas containing dioxygen.

The dioxygen absorber can consist of a powder which reacts chemically with oxygen

(4FeCO3+6H2O+O2→4Fe(OH)3+4CO2).

The absorption of dioxygen indicates the use of a gas other than that recommended.

The recommended gas advantageously consists of a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

According to an alternative embodiment, an aluminum ball can be used to make it possible to indicate the use of a gas containing dioxygen.

Indeed, the use of a gas containing dioxygen has the effect of forming a thin white oxidation layer on the aluminum ball.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the envelope comprises at least one recess which makes it possible to expel the air present in the envelope when the protection device changes from its rest state to its active state.

Advantageously, the envelope comprises a plurality of recesses. Even more advantageously, these recesses are formed at the ends of the envelope or are evenly spaced along the envelope.

Advantageously, the indicator of the deflated state of the membrane corresponds to a marker of the membrane which is masked by the envelope in the rest state of the protection device, and the indicator of the inflated state of the membrane corresponds to this marker of the membrane which is visible through at least one recess in the envelope in the active state of the protection device.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the membrane can be selected from a material allowing an elastic elongation of at least 200%.

Advantageously, the elastic elongation is between 200% and 300%.

According to a variant of the invention, the membrane comprises at least one tensioner which makes it possible to control the expansion of the membrane in order to obtain the desired shape.

Advantageously, the membrane is selected from the family of polymers.

Advantageously, the elastic membrane is a film of polymer material with a thickness of between 20 microns and 500 microns.

The membrane can be selected from the family of polymers having a thickness of between 20 microns and 500 microns and allowing an elastic elongation of at least 200%.

In an application of the protection device as a personal protective helmet, the elastic membrane is a film of polymer material with a thickness of between 50 microns and 300 microns.

Preferably, the elastic membrane is a film of polymer material with a thickness of less than 300 microns.

Preferably, the film is a film of urethane polymer material.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the fibrous envelope is sewn along its contour. It will be understood that, during this sewing operation, the fibrous envelope is arranged in a plane.

Advantageously, the envelope and the seam of the envelope are selected to provide mechanical resistance when the device passes from its rest state to its active state.

When the protection device comprises two superimposed fibrous envelopes, the seams of each envelope may be distinct from one another.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a helmet for protecting a person, the protective helmet being formed by a protection device as defined in the present document, and the fibrous envelope is suitable for taking the form of a protective helmet when the protection device changes from its rest state to its active state.

According to a first application, the protective helmet according to the invention is intended to form a bicycle helmet.

According to a second application, the protective helmet according to the invention is intended to form a motorcycle helmet.

Such a motorcycle helmet may be of the bowl type, i.e. in the shape of a half-shell covering the top of the skull, or in the form of a jet, i.e. in the shape of a half-shell extending down to the temples, or may be a full-face helmet, i.e. in the form of a jet and covering the face of the head of the helmet wearer.

According to a third application, the protective helmet according to the invention is intended to form a protective sports helmet for the prevention of impacts in contact sports such as, but not limited to, rugby, martial arts, football or soccer.

Advantageously, the protection device is a full-face type helmet.

The fibrous envelope can be selected from a textile material with high mechanical resistance in tension and/or in traction.

Advantageously, the fibrous envelope can be made of a high resistance material such as

Kevlar or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMPE), which is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The fibrous envelope can also be formed from Zylon fiber.

Such a Zylon fiber protector provides good stability and resistance to temperatures up to 600° C. so that the protector can have good resistance to abrasion. Moreover, such a Zylon fiber device has good resistance to bending and is very flexible.

Advantageously, the fibrous envelope is treated against the penetration of water by means of a durable water repellent treatment (DWR) which is applied to the surface of the fibrous envelope during manufacture. Such a treatment forms a film that makes the fibrous envelope impermeable.

In an advantageous variant, the fibrous envelope is made of a microporous material and is therefore impermeable without additional treatment. Such a microporous material advantageously consists of micropores much smaller than a drop of water, approximately twenty thousand times, which prevent the drops from passing through the material. Unlike repellency, impermeability does not diminish with use and can withstand any amount of water.

Advantageously, the protection device is a bowl-type helmet.

According to a variant, the protective helmet comprises an adjustment system which makes it possible to adapt the protective helmet to the person wearing it.

Advantageously, the adjustment system is formed by tightening straps attached to two separate points attached to the envelope.

According to an advantageous variant, the protective helmet comprises an occipital support system which allows an optimized fit of the helmet.

Advantageously, the textile is heat-sealable polyester. Advantageously, the textile consists of at least a portion of heat-sealable polyester.

According to an advantageous variant, an additional fibrous envelope covers the assembly formed by the fibrous envelope comprising the elastic membrane.

Advantageously, this additional envelope has mechanical characteristics when tensioned, which allows impact resistance.

Advantageously, the additional envelope is formed from a fiber having an elasticity of less than 5%.

Advantageously, in the active state of the protection device, the additional envelope is tensioned by the elastic membrane.

According to a variant of the invention, the protective helmet comprises a visor which is visible when the protection device reaches its active state.

It will be understood that the visor is formed by portions of the membrane and the envelope provided for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, the helmet can be equipped with a hygienic protective sheet with multiple layers that can be successively torn off.

This protective layer is of course placed inside the helmet in contact with the user's head.

Such a sheet allows for hygienic single use. This is because each layer can be successively torn off after using the helmet. In this way, the user is assured of a perfectly clean helmet when using it.

Such a sheet allows, of course, for the shared use of the same helmet by multiple users. The layers forming the sheet can advantageously be biodegradable. Advantageously, the different layers are bonded together by a non-permanent glue. These non-permanently bonded layers can thus be repositioned to allow the successive detachment of the layers and to prevent a sticky part from coming into contact with the user's head.

Advantageously, the different layers are bonded together by a seam characterized by its direction and its length, which make it easier to tear off one layer after another.

Advantageously, the different layers are bonded together and then pre-cut at points to make it easier to tear off one layer after another.

Advantageously, the material of the different layers of the sheet is a biodegradable material with a thickness less than or equal to 45 g/m2.

Advantageously, the material of the different layers of the sheet can be selected from the following materials taken alone or in combination: wood fibers, beeswax or cellulose fibers.

Advantageously, this sheet is bonded to the helmet by a system of quick fasteners such as press studs, Velcro, zips or eyelets. Such a quick fastener system allows the replacement of a sheet with no remaining layers with a new sheet comprising a plurality of layers.

According to one embodiment, the helmet can comprise a shock-absorbing structure formed with the elastic membrane, the shock-absorbing structure comprising a network of interconnected shock absorbers which are intended to be formed in the active state of the protection device. These shock absorbers form interconnected air chambers. These shock absorbers can take the form of bubbles, for example.

It will be understood that the network of shock absorbers is fluidically connected to the membrane. The pressure in the membrane in the active state thus corresponds substantially to the pressure in each of the shock absorbers of the network.

Such a shock-absorbing structure is designed to be placed in the helmet, the shock absorbers of the network being oriented toward the head of the user.

Such a shock absorbing structure makes it possible to limit the risk of concussions that may be caused in the event of impacts. This shock-absorbing structure is in particular more effective in the context of an oblique impact.

The shock absorbers can be designed to adapt to the morphology of the user's skull.

These shock absorbers, associated with the deformation properties of the gas, allow better absorption in the event of an impact.

According to one embodiment, the helmet can be equipped with a wireless camera attached to the rear of the helmet.

Such a camera allows the user to see the road scene behind him without turning his head and/or letting go of the handlebars.

Such a camera can advantageously be connected by Wi-Fi or by Bluetooth to the user's mobile phone.

The user can thus see the road scene behind him on his phone screen attached to his handlebars.

According to one embodiment, the helmet comprises a fabric storage compartment bonded directly to the helmet.

Such a storage compartment allows the object to be stored using its smallest volume in its inactive, i.e. deflated, state.

Advantageously, this storage compartment can be equipped with a zip or button closure, thus making it possible to keep the helmet in the restricted volume.

Advantageously, this storage compartment is sewn directly onto the protective helmet.

Advantageously, this storage compartment is bonded to the protective helmet by means of a cord-type link.

Advantageously, this storage compartment can be locked by an anti-theft cable.

Such a storage compartment can be applied to the protection device. According to one embodiment, the helmet can comprise a signaling system directly integrated on the protective helmet.

Such a signaling system can include night lighting.

By way of example, such night lighting can comprise a brake light which is activated by an accelerometer during braking.

Such night lighting can also include indicators that can be controlled by the user via a wireless system positioned on the handlebars.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for assembling a device for protecting an object or a person as defined in the present document.

The method comprising the following steps:

-   -   a patterning step in which a material forming the fibrous         envelope or the sealed membrane is positioned on an object or         the part of the body to be protected in order to determine the         protection areas, and then these protection areas are projected         onto the material to create a two-dimensional plane of the         fibrous envelope or the sealed membrane;     -   a step of welding this membrane;     -   a step of including a valve of the membrane;     -   a verification step which consists of measuring an expansion of         the volume of the membrane beyond the maximum volume of the         envelope.

It will be understood that the step of joining the membrane by welding and the step of including the valve make it possible to ensure sealing at the desired pressure.

Advantageously, the patterning of the fibrous envelope is such that it makes it possible to have additional material allowing sewing or joining at certain points with the envelope, reducing the risk of damaging the sealed compartment of the membrane.

Advantageously, the method comprises a sewing step in which two fabrics forming the fibrous envelope containing the membrane are joined by a peripheral sewing operation.

Advantageously, in order to avoid damaging the membrane during the sewing operation, it is gathered in a restricted space of the fibrous envelope with the aid of an element which allows this compacting function and which loses this function, thus releasing the membrane, from the first inflation.

For example, the membrane may be trapped in an untied wire or trapped in a highly elastic thread. Thus, during the sewing operation, the membrane occupies a very small volume and is not at risk of being punctured, and then when the membrane is inflated for the first time, the wire unravels or the thread expands, leaving the inflated membrane to take up all the available volume.

Advantageously, the method comprises a step of checking the abrasion resistance of the fibrous envelope.

Of course, the fibrous envelope tested may be the additional fibrous envelope.

The purpose of such abrasion resistance is to check the resistance to friction, for example against a road surface, which may be caused during an accident.

Advantageously, the method comprises a verification step which consists of ensuring that the pressure remains sufficient to ensure the protective function over a period of normal use of the device.

Advantageously, the desired shape is obtained by welding or sewing points of the sealed membrane and the fibrous envelope.

Such welding or sewing points make it easier to shape the membrane to the object or person to be protected.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, will become apparent on reading the following detailed description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a schematically shows a protection device surrounding an object to be protected and shown in an inactive state,

FIG. 1b shows the protection device from FIG. 1a in an active state,

FIG. 1c schematically shows a protection device according to the invention without an object to be protected,

FIG. 1d schematically shows the device from FIG. 1c folded,

FIG. 2a is a front view of a protection device forming a protective helmet,

FIG. 2b is a side view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 2c is a rear view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 2d is a top view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pattern of an envelope of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a to 2 d,

FIG. 4 is a front view of a pattern of a membrane of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a to 2 d,

FIG. 5 shows a first variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,

FIG. 6 shows a second variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,

FIG. 7 shows a third variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for an object to be protected.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a section of a hygienic protective sheet.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a section of a shock-absorbing structure provided with the membrane.

FIG. 10 is an exploded schematic view of a sealed connection system for a valve.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a striker for a valve.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a pressure indicator.

FIG. 1a to 1d show a device 1 for protecting an object. Such a protection device 1 may be, for example, a carrying case for an intricate object to be transported, such as a mechanical part in the space or aeronautics sectors.

The device 1 for protecting an object comprises a sealed elastic membrane 2 intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope 3 containing said membrane 2.

The envelope 3 is intended to surround the object 4 to be protected.

The envelope 3 is designed to take a shape which fits the object to be protected.

FIG. 1a shows the device in an inactive state, i.e. when the elastic membrane 2 contained in the fibrous envelope 3 is deflated.

The fibrous envelope 3 is formed by joining two skins 3′, 3″ between which the membrane 2 is contained.

A first skin is intended to form an outer skin 3′ and a second skin is intended to form an inner skin 3″.

The inner skin 3″ is in contact with the object 4 to be protected, unlike the outer skin 3′.

FIG. 1b shows the device 1 for protecting the object 4 in an active state, i.e. corresponding to the inflated state of the membrane in which the membrane 2 is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope 3, the membrane 2 then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope 3, the envelope 3 being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane 2 beyond the maximum volume of the envelope 3.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the outer skin 3′ and the inner skin 3″ are formed from different materials, such that the inner skin 3″ is formed from an elastic fibrous material while the outer skin 3′ is formed from a fibrous material of low elasticity.

By way of example, the outer skin 3′ is formed from a high resistance material such as Zylon fiber and the inner skin 3″ is formed from a textile material such as polypropylene or polyester, which may comprise an elastane composition, at least in part.

It will be understood that the combination of such an outer 3′ and an inner 3″ skin makes it possible to control the expansion of the membrane 2 when it is inflated while ensuring the correspondence in shape of this same membrane 2 to the object 4 that it has to protect. The object 4 to be protected is then kept in the fibrous envelope 3 and the overall volume of the protection device is controlled.

In this way, better protection of the object 4 is ensured during its transport.

FIG. 1c shows the protection device 1 without the object 4 to be protected, so as to illustrate its advantageous space-saving properties. Indeed, the space requirement of the protection device 1, which is made of fibrous and elastic material, can advantageously be easily reduced so that it can be placed in a compartment provided for its storage, for example.

Also shown are preformed fold lines on at least the fibrous envelope 3, in order to facilitate folding thereof.

FIG. 1d shows the protection device 1 in a folded state. In this folded state, the protection device 1 occupies dimensions in length and in width which correspond to one third of those of the protection device 1 in its active state.

FIG. 2 to 7 show a protection device 1 forming a protective helmet 1 for a person.

The helmet according to the invention comprises a sealed elastic membrane 2 intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope 3 containing said membrane 2.

The envelope 3 is designed to take a shape which fits the head of the person to be protected.

In the active state of the protective helmet 1, i.e. when the membrane is inflated, the membrane 2 is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope 3, the membrane 2 then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope 3, the envelope 3 being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane 2 beyond the maximum volume of the envelope 3.

It will be understood that the membrane 2 is in accordance with the invention and is intended to occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope 3 in the unstressed state.

The membrane 2 is in a single-piece form. Such a single-piece form advantageously makes it possible to ensure that the active state of the protective helmet 1 is reached by pressurizing the membrane 2 by a single valve received in a hole 31 in the membrane 2 provided for this purpose and corresponding to an opening 21 in the envelope.

For this, the membrane 2 is formed by a main strip 2 a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2 b-2 f. From a front end, the main strip 2 a extends through a first joining strip 2 b corresponding to a front strip of the protective helmet 1, a second joining strip 2 c corresponding to a first top strip, a third joining strip 2 d corresponding to a second top strip, a fourth joining strip 2 e corresponding to a first rear strip and a fifth joining strip 2 f corresponding to a second rear strip.

The second joining strip 2 c is in the shape of an upturned Y. The third joining strip 2 d is U-shaped.

The front, top and rear positions relate to the orientation of the protective helmet worn by the person.

It will be noted that, in the front position of the protective helmet 1, the fourth joining strip 2 e is arranged between the first joining strip 2 b and the second joining strip 2 c.

It will also be noted that, in the rear position of the protective helmet 1, the second joining strip 2 b is arranged between the third joining strip 2 d and the fourth joining strip 2 e.

It will also be noted that, in the rear position of the protective helmet 1, the first joining strip 2 b is arranged between the fourth joining strip 2 e and the fifth joining strip 2 f.

It has been observed that the arrangement of the joining strips 2 b-2 e with respect to one other allows optimum protection of the person wearing the helmet in the event of impacts.

FIG. 3 shows a pattern of the envelope 3 of the helmet formed by an assembly in two parts.

The references 2 b-2 f will be used to describe the shapes of the envelope 2 in correspondence with the shapes of the joining strips 2 a-2 f.

As shown, a first joining part 3 a of the envelope 3 is intended to correspond to the first joining strip 2 b and the second joining strip 2 c. A second joining part 3 b of the envelope 3 is intended to correspond to the third joining strip 2 d, the fourth joining strip 2 e and the fifth joining strip 2 f.

Each joining part of the envelope 3 is advantageously sewn along its contour.

Recesses 30 formed in the joining strips 2 b-2 f are shown. These recesses 30 are preferably regularly shaped to allow for optimal evacuation of the air contained in the fabric.

These recesses 30 are dimensioned such that they allow the air to be evacuated when the membrane is inflated without, however, modifying the shape of the membrane.

In the active state of the protection device, markers 25 of the membrane 2 are visible through at least one recess 30 in the envelope in the active state of the protection device. These markers indicate the active state of the protection device.

FIG. 4 shows a pattern of the membrane 2 forming the main strip 2 a and the joining strips 2 b-2 f described previously.

To assemble the protective helmet 1, it will be understood that the membrane 2 is first placed between two fibrous strips of the envelope 3 before sewing the envelope 3 to trap the membrane 2.

A tensioner 20 is provided to restrain an unwanted expansion in volume of the membrane 2.

For this, a tensioner 20 can be formed in an area of the membrane 2 formed by the crossing of the main strip 2 a with a joining strip 2 b-2 e, in this case with the third joining strip 2 d.

The tensioner 20 here takes a solid 8 shape suitable for allowing the expansion of the membrane 2 area to be restrained.

Advantageously, in order to avoid damaging the membrane 2 during the sewing, it is gathered in a smaller space by an element which loses this function from the first inflation.

Advantageously, the patterning of the membrane is such that it makes it possible to have additional material allowing sewing or joining at certain points with the envelope 3, reducing the risk of damaging the sealed compartment of the membrane.

The fibrous envelope 3 is also formed by joining two skins 3′, 3″ between which the membrane 2 is contained.

A first skin is intended to form an outer skin 3′ and a second skin is intended to form an inner skin 3″.

The inner skin 3″ is in contact with the head of the person to be protected, unlike the outer skin 3′.

By way of example, the outer skin 3′ may be formed from a high resistance material such as Zylon fiber or Kevlar, and the inner skin 3″ may be formed from a textile material such as polypropylene or polyester, which may comprise an elastane composition, at least in part.

In this way, the outer skin 3′ provides protection against impacts for the wearer of the helmet while the inner skin 3″ ensures stable support for the wearer's head during an impact.

With respect to FIG. 5 to 7, various embodiments of a protective helmet according to the invention will be described. Only the shape of the membrane 2 will be described. The fibrous envelope 3 described above will of course be produced in a shape corresponding to the membrane 2.

FIG. 5 shows a first variant of the membrane 2, in which it is also formed by a main strip 2 a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2 b-2 e. From a front end, the main strip 2 a extends through a first joining strip 2 b corresponding to a linear front strip of the protective helmet 1, a second joining strip 2 c corresponding to a first top strip, a third joining strip 2 d corresponding to a second top strip, and a fourth joining strip 2 e corresponding to a first linear rear strip. The first joining strip and the second joining strip define a length of the membrane. The second joining strip 2 c and the third joining strip 2 d are advantageously in a Y shape so as to ensure better correspondence with the areas of the head of the helmet wearer to be protected.

FIG. 5 shows two tensioners, namely a first tensioner 22 and a second tensioner 23 formed on the membrane 2.

Each tensioner 22, 23 is intended to restrain an unwanted expansion in volume of the membrane 2.

For this, each tensioner 22, 23 can be formed in an area of the membrane 2 formed by the crossing of the main strip 2 a with a joining strip 2 b-2 e or on another part of the main strip 2 a.

In the example shown, the first tensioner 22 and the second tensioner 23 are formed in a joining area between the main strip 2 a and, respectively, the second joining strip 2 b and the third joining strip 2 c, each in the shape of a Y.

It will be understood that such areas form surfaces for which the shape of the membrane 2 cannot be controlled when it is in its inflated state.

Each tensioner 22, 23 is selected in a shape adapted to the surface of the area with which it is associated. In this case, the first tensioner 22 is made in the shape of a rectangle while the second tensioner 23 is made in the shape of a solid circle.

These tensioners can be produced by plastic welding of a single layer of the membrane or of two opposite layers of the membrane.

FIG. 6 shows a second variant of the membrane 2, in which it is also formed by a main strip 2 a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2 b-2 e. The main strip 2 a ends in a point 2 a′ defining a front end of the protective helmet.

In the plane shown, from the front end, the main strip 2 a extends through four joining strips 2 b-2 e, i.e. successively a first 2 b, a second 2 c, a third 2 d and a fourth joining strip 2 e, each inclined relative to the main strip 2 a at an angle of between 10° and 90°.

The second 2 c and third 2 d joining strips are of similar size, while the first joining strip 2 b is of shorter length than the second 2 c and third 2 d joining strips, and preferably it is less than half, even more preferably less than two-thirds the length thereof. The fourth joining strip 2 e is less than half the length of the second 2 c and third 2 d joining strips.

The fourth joining strip 2 e forms a rear strip of the protective helmet according to the invention.

Each tensioner 24 is made in the shape of a solid circle.

FIG. 7 shows a third variant of the membrane 2, in which it is formed by a solid circular central strip 2 a from which a plurality of peripheral strips 2 b-2 f extend.

The peripheral strips 2 b-2 f are in a triangular shape so that the protection area of the head of the helmet wearer extends in proportion to its distance from the central strip 2 a.

For each of these peripheral strips 2 b-2 f, a tensioner 24 having a shape similar to the peripheral strip with which it is associated is formed.

It will be understood that the particular shape of the peripheral strips follows the pattern of a head of which the areas to be protected have been identified.

FIG. 8 shows a hygienic protective sheet 40 with multiple layers 41, 42, 43, 44 that can be torn off, and which is designed to be placed inside the helmet.

The layers 41, 42, 43, 44 forming the sheet 40 are advantageously glued together in a non-permanent manner. In other words, they can become detached from one other by successive tearing off from one another.

For example, the layers 41, 42, 43, 44 may be non-permanently self-adhesive. In other words, they can be detached from one other and reattached to one other.

Any type of self-adhesive glue may be suitable.

Such a sheet 40 allows for hygienic single use. This is because each layer 41, 42, 43, 44 can be successively torn off after using the helmet. In this way, the user is assured of a perfectly clean helmet for his head when using it.

FIG. 9 shows a shock-absorbing structure 50 formed with the elastic membrane 2.

As shown, the shock-absorbing structure 50 comprises a network of shock absorbers 51, in this case represented by interconnected bubbles.

This network of shock absorbers 51 is fluidically connected to the membrane (shown schematically), i.e. it is formed at the same time as the membrane inflates.

FIG. 10 shows a sealed connection system 60 for a valve comprising a lower part 61 and an upper part 62 intended for sealingly enclosing the contour of an opening 63 formed in the membrane 2 and for sealing a butyl valve 64.

The lower part 61 takes the form of a peripheral ring 61A comprising, at its center, a threaded opening 61B terminating in an internal shoulder 61C from which a hollow tube 61D extends.

The valve 64 comprises a lower portion 64A and an upper portion 64B separated by a shoulder 64C.

The upper part 62 also takes the form of a peripheral ring 62A from which, at its center, a connection sleeve 62B threaded on its periphery extends. Furthermore, a rigid tongue 62C is preferably integral with the peripheral ring 62A of the upper part 62 and extends therefrom.

When the connection system is assembled, the butyl valve 64 is inserted, via its lower portion 64A, into the hollow tube 61D of the lower part 61 to open into interior of the membrane 2. The complementary shoulder 64C of the valve 64 then bears against the shoulder 61C formed in the lower part 61.

The lower part 61 equipped with the valve 64 is intended to be inserted through the opening 63 under the elastic membrane 2, i.e. in the volume of the membrane in the active state, for example.

Once the lower part 61 has been inserted under the membrane 2, the upper part 62 is brought closer thereto so that the upper portion 64B of the valve 64 penetrates the interior of the connection sleeve 62B. The shoulder 64C of the valve 64 then bears against the contour 62D of the end of the sleeve 62B. The rigid tongue 62C of the upper part of the sleeve 62B is then rotated so that the thread of the sleeve 62B of the upper part 62 penetrates the thread of the lower part 61 until it is fully tightened.

In the assembled state, the sealed connection between the membrane 2 and the sealed system 60 is provided by the surfaces of the rings 61A, 62A of the lower and upper parts 61, 62 and the sealed connection between the valve 64 and the sealed system 60 is provided by the surface of the shoulder 61C of the lower part 61 and the contour 62D of the end of the sleeve 62B.

In a particular application to this sealed system 60, the membrane 2 used is a polyurethane film.

An O-ring seal may be provided between the rings 61A, 62A of the lower and upper parts 61, 62.

FIG. 11 shows a protective helmet 1 equipped with the sealed connection system 60 and, moreover, a striker 70.

The striker 70 comprises a main body 71. An outlet 72 of the striker 70, delimited by said striker, extends from this main body 71 through a clearance hole 73. The outlet 72 of the striker 70 ends with a needle 74.

In addition, a radial stop 75 extends radially from the body 71 to prevent the striker 70 from rotating when a cartridge 76 is aimed at it.

This may not be shown, but the body 71 of the striker 70 is of course intended to allow a cartridge 76 to be screwed in and to pierce the lid of the cartridge 76 to release the gas contained therein through the needle 72.

The operation of inflating the membrane 2 is carried out using the striker 70, the needle 74 of which is inserted into the valve 64 to reach the internal volume of the membrane 2.

The clearance hole of the striker 73 is then found resting on the upper part 62 of the sealed connection system 60. The cartridge 76 is then screwed into the body 71 of the striker 70. When the cartridge is mounted, the striker 70 can be rotated, but its rotational travel can be blocked by its radial stop 75, which is held by a projection 62E provided on the upper part 62 of the sealed connection system 60.

The operation of deflating the membrane 2 is also carried out using the striker 70, which is not equipped with a cartridge 76, in order to release the gas contained in the membrane 2 into the atmosphere.

Advantageously, the thread of the striker can be specific to the thread of the cartridge.

The striker 70 can be bonded to the helmet by a wire connection such as a cord.

FIG. 12 shows a pressure indicator 80 formed by a rigid or semi-rigid hollow tube 81 bonded to the membrane 2 and fluidically connected to the volume of the membrane 2 by an opening 82, the tube 81 comprising a compressible element 83, in this case a spring, pushing a gauge 84 forming a pressure indicator. The hollow tube 81 is made of a transparent material to make the position of the gauge readable.

The hollow tube 81 can be bonded to the membrane 2 by heat-sealing or by welding, for example.

As shown, the hollow tube 81 can be positioned perpendicularly to the wall of the membrane 2 to which it is attached, or alternatively can be positioned along the latter.

When the membrane is pressurized, the pressure in the membrane 2 penetrates the opening 82 to reach the volume of the tube 81 and then pushes the gauge 84. The displacement of the gauge 84 is then representative of the pressure level in the membrane 2.

The tube 81 and the compressible element 83 are advantageously dimensioned so that a first end position of the gauge corresponds to the inactive state of the protection device 1 and a second end position of the gauge corresponds to the active state of the protection device 1.

The features described in relation to the protective helmet apply of course to the protection device and vice versa.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with one another other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another. 

1. Device (1) for protecting an object or a person, the protection device (1) comprising a sealed elastic membrane (2) intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope (3) containing said membrane (2): in the rest state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) is of a size different to that of the envelope (3) and the envelope (3) containing the membrane (2) can be folded, in the active state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope (3), the membrane (2) then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope (3), referred to as a second volume, the envelope (3) being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane (2) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope (3), said envelope (3) being designed to take a shape that fits the object or person to be protected, and in that, in the unstressed state, the inflated membrane (2) can occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope (3).
 2. Protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the rest state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) has a shape that is distinct from the envelope (3).
 3. Protection device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one valve (20).
 4. Protection device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the envelope (3) and/or the membrane (2) comprises a marker (25, 30) which corresponds, in the rest state of the protection device (1), to an indicator of a deflated state of the membrane (2) and, in the active state of the protection device (1), to an indicator of an inflated state of the membrane (2) in order to occupy said first volume.
 5. device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure of the membrane (2) is between 1 bar and 30 bars, and the pressure is preferably between 2 bars and 6 bars.
 6. Protection device (1) according to, claim 5 characterized in that the envelope (3) has folds allowing folding and unfolding which can be repeated each time the protection device (1) is used.
 7. Protection device (1) according to, claim 6 characterized in that the membrane comprises at least one tensioner (22, 23, 24) which makes it possible to control the expansion of the membrane in order to obtain the desired shape.
 8. Protective helmet for a person, characterized in that it is formed by a protection device (1) according to claim 7, and in that the fibrous envelope (3) is suitable for taking the form of a protective helmet when the protection device (1) changes from its rest state to its active state.
 9. Protective helmet according to claim 8, characterized in that the protective helmet comprises an adjustment system which makes it possible to adapt the protective helmet to the person wearing it.
 10. Method for assembling a protection device (1) for an object or a person according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a patterning step in which a material forming the fibrous envelope or the sealed membrane is positioned on an object or the part of the body to be protected in order to determine the protection areas, and then these protection areas are projected onto the material to create a two-dimensional plane of the fibrous envelope or the sealed membrane; a step of joining this membrane (2) by welding; a step of including a valve of the membrane (2); a verification step which consists of measuring an expansion of the volume of the membrane (2) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope (3). 